Explore the Nano World
Wen's Research Group
Wen Zhang, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE
Principal Investigator
Professor
Phone: (973) 596-5520
Fax: (973) 596-5790
Email: wen.zhang@njit.edu
Office Location: Colton Hall 211
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Post-doctoral student Jiahui Hu presented her research on single-atom catalytic advanced oxidation processes to Dr. Yang. Based on the prediction of density functional theory, Jiahui optimized the microstructure of single atom catalyst, enabling the regulation and activation of persulfate to produce selective reactive oxygen species, effectively targeting the removal of emerging pollutants in water. Following this, Jiahui also discussed with Dr. Yang her current research and future research plans in the field of interfacial heating membrane distillation desalination
Ph.D. student, Jingru Wei, demonstrated her CO₂ nanobubble research and the use of CO₂ nanobubbles to enhance microalgal growth and improve carbon transfer efficiency. She shared her extensive research on the role of CO₂ nanobubbles in carbon capture and their potential applications in climate change mitigation and biofuel production
Dr. Xuejing Yang Visited Our laboratory on NJIT campus
Ph.D. student Jianan Gao, a dedicated researcher at the forefront of environmental technology, is making significant strides in the field of sustainable water treatment. Gao's groundbreaking work focuses on the development and optimization of electrified membrane technology aimed at addressing two critical issues: the removal of nitrogen pollutants from wastewater and the recovery of valuable resources. During his demonstrations, Gao showcased the intricacies of the electrified membrane setup, explaining how the application of electrified membrane enhances its reactive and separation capabilities. He highlights the versatility of the technology in adapting to various wastewater compositions, making it a robust solution for different industrial and municipal applications. By combining fundamental research with practical demonstrations, Gao aims to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world application
Dr. Yang's visit concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where she addressed questions from students and faculty. Her insights and suggestions were highly appreciated, particularly her thoughts on optimizing experimental approaches and exploring new collaborative projects.We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Yang Xuejing for her visit and her invaluable contributions. Her passion for science and commitment to environmental sustainability have left a lasting impact on our school community. We look forward to the possibility of future collaborations and continued knowledge exchange
Postdoctoral researcher Shan Xue demonstrated her work on nanobubble technology and its application in agriculture to enhance plant growth. She showcased the commercial nanobubble generator to Dr. Yang, explaining the principles behind nanobubble generation. They discussed the methods used to characterize nanobubbles and expressed interest in future collaboration
Ph.D. student, Guangyu Zhu, demonstrated his research about the use of high-pressure RO/NF membranes to remove PFAS with high efficiency. He also presented his thorough research on a novel induction-heating-assisted membrane distillation to Dr. Yang. This technology utilizes electromagnetic induction energy to locally heat membrane/liquid interface to power salty water vaporization and transportation in direct-contact membrane distillation (DCMD) processes. Electromagnetic induction enables contactless, fast, efficient and accurately controlled heating, It could exceed over 90% efficiency and heat losses to the ambient are reduced compared to convention electrical heating
Furthermore, Dr. Yang was introduced to an innovative algal water treatment process devised by our Ph.D. student, Lili Li. This method employs positively charged functionalized magnetic particles to adsorb algae cells, facilitating the direct elimination of particulate matter without the requirement for supplementary chemical agents. Lili's presentation underscored the crucial role of this process in the immediate management of cyanobacterial blooms and the subsequent ecological rejuvenation of water ecosystems. Dr. Yang was deeply impressed by this presentation and pointed out that this technology could also be used for the recovery and subsequent resource utilization of energy microalgae
Dr. Fangzhou Liu introduced his PhD research focusing on the application of microwave catalytic filtration membrane technology for air disinfection. By coating the membranes with innovative microwave-responsive catalysts, the membrane surface can generate electromagnetic fields and thermal effects, achieving effective air disinfection. Professor Yang expressed keen interest in the tools used for characterizing the dielectric properties of materials and the principles behind microwave generators. Dr. Liu explained the use of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) for material dielectric property characterization, detailing its working principles and showcasing the VNA equipment available in the lab. Additionally, Dr. Liu introduced the solid-state microwave generator used in the microwave reactor, highlighting its differences from traditional microwave generators
On June 21th, 2024, we were honored to host Dr. Yang Xuejing at NJIT, a professor from East China University of Science and Technology. Her visit provided an invaluable opportunity for students and faculty to engage with a leading figure in the field of environmental engineering. Dr. Yang's visit began with a comprehensive tour of our research areas, guided by Professor Zhang Wen and his research group.
Ph.D. student, Jiahe Zhang, is advancing the field of environmental science by utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterization techniques to study the absorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on membranes. His research primarily focuses on the effectiveness of AFM-IR and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) in detecting trace amounts of PFAS on membrane surfaces